Hey lovelies! Welcome back to Pink Tutu News! It’s Emma here, ready to whisk you back in time on another historical journey. This week, we’re setting our tutus aflutter and venturing all the way back to 1634 – yes, 1634! – to see how the ballet world was glittering centuries ago.
Now, you might be wondering what ballet looked like back then? It certainly wasn’t the graceful, expressive form we see on stages today. Imagine, if you will, a dance scene more about intricate patterns and precise footwork, performed by gentlemen in their finest attire!
This year marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of ballet, a moment when Louis XIII, the king of France, decided he absolutely adored this fancy new dance and ordered the establishment of the Royal Academy of Dance! It’s pretty much like the ultimate seal of approval from a monarch who knew a thing or two about royal affairs, fashion, and, well, everything really! 😉
Now, don’t picture elaborate costumes, darlings. These gentlemen dancers wore rather flamboyant attire, like satin breeches and fancy cloaks, their movements focused more on elegance than emotion. But hey, we're talking about the very foundations of this beautiful art form, so that’s kinda cool, right?
A Peek at the French Ballet Scene:While our ballet vocabulary hadn’t quite expanded to include leaps and pirouettes yet, dancers in France were already showcasing captivating steps, elaborate formations, and complex figures, even featuring solo pieces called "entrees" and “choregraphies” (just say “choo-re-gra-fee”!). And who were the choreographers behind these early works of ballet art? Well, look no further than the gentlemen of the royal court, ready to move with a sprinkle of artistry and a generous dose of grace.
Now, you know me, lovelies. I always like to talk about the fashion! Imagine attending a ballet performance at the royal court! The elegance was out of this world. Ladies, you’d be seeing silks, satins, and velvety fabrics, adorned with intricate embroidery, laces, and the finest jewels – seriously, the royals had a penchant for all things sparkly, even in their everyday life!
Ballet for Everyone:1634 also witnessed the birth of an incredible spectacle! A balletic ballet known as "Ballet of the Royal Entry to the City of Paris," filled with impressive choreography, spectacular settings, and of course, stunning costumes. It’s the ultimate glimpse into how ballet became the entertainment of choice for the aristocracy. But here’s the exciting bit – it wasn’t just for the nobles, oh no! These ballet performances were for the masses!
As much as I adore a theatrical setting, and a grand ballet with ornate decor, I’m drawn to those outdoor events that fill streets with the vibrant energy of performance. It was just as important in 1634. Performances weren't confined to the opulence of the court but spilled out into public squares. Imagine, if you will, a city filled with excitement and joy, a street transformed into a stage, everyone watching as graceful steps were woven through everyday life!
Now, picture this, lovelies, if we were all waltzing and pirouetting in the public square! (A dream I live for, wouldn't you agree?) While our 1634 dancers might have worn more extravagant shoes than a ballet slipper, the spirit of bringing dance to everyone shines through history. And that, my loves, is a story I'm happy to share with you!
So, keep your tutus twirling and your imaginations dancing, darlings, as we journey through ballet history, together! Now, where should we explore next on our journey through ballet history? Let me know in the comments below!
Stay beautiful,
Emma 🌸
www.pink-tutu.com
